Louise Haigh MP and other special guests join Sheffield pupils

Louise Haigh MP joined pupils from her Sheffield Heeley constituency (Friday 22 November) to celebrate the steps they are taking to get more active.

Manor Lodge Community Primary and Nursery School takes part in WOW – the walk to school challenge from charity Living Streets. WOW sees pupils record how they get to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker with those who walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ to school being awarded a monthly WOW badge. 

Nationally, just 49 per cent of 5-10-year-olds currently walk to school . However, despite only starting WOW in September this year, walking rates at Manor Lodge Community Primary School have increased from 37 per cent to 52 per cent, with 76 per cent of journeys recorded on the WOW Travel Tracker being active – either walked, wheeled, cycled or scooted. 

Louise Haigh MP was also joined by South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE where they heard from pupils about the benefits of walking to school, from being healthier and talking to friends to helping protect the environment. 

Louise Haigh, Member of Parliament for Sheffield Heeley, said:

“I was delighted to join the children and parents from Manor Lodge today. It’s important that all young people are able to walk, cycle or scoot to school – giving them a great start to the day.
 
“With more children walking to school, we can boost wellbeing and reduce the numbers of cars that are outside of schools. That’s good for children and parents alike - creating greener, happier and healthier local communities.”

Ed Clancy, South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, said: 

“Schools are at the heart of our plans here in South Yorkshire. We know walking and wheeling keeps children active and healthy, and I’m a big believer in the link between physical activity, wellbeing, positivity and productivity. 

“Children want fun, independence and exploration. But families don’t always feel able to choose walking, wheeling or cycling for the school run. 

“It’s my ambition to break down those barriers. To build safer streets that give everyone the freedom and choice to move more and differently. Because by enabling healthy habits for kids early on we can help to create healthier, happier neighbourhoods now and for generations to come.”

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: 

“It’s fantastic that Louise Haigh MP could join us to see the great strides pupils in her constituency are making to get more active on the journey to school. 

“Everyone at Manor Lodge Community Primary School should be proud knowing that their actions are helping to reduce road danger and congestion. We hope that the visit from Louise and Ed Clancy encourages them to keep up the fantastic work.”

Manor Lodge Community Primary and Nursery School takes part in WOW – the walk to school challenge through Living Streets’ Walk to School Outreach programme, funded by Active Travel England.